“Established in 1947, the prize is one of the oldest and most prestigious municipal art awards in Australia with a major prize of $30,000,” he said.

“As Council acquires the winning works, they will form a special collection which reflects developments in Australian art since the mid-20th century.”

Gallery Director John Cheeseman said the 850 entries received this year confirmed the competition’s continuing relevance.

“The quality of the works submitted and the huge number entered confirm the ongoing significance of the Mosman Art Prize,” he said

“This is one of the fiercest competitions for painters in Australia, with the reward of substantial prize money, peer and public recognition and the chance to join the pantheon of arts luminaries who have won in the past.”

“In Painting 131 (North Coogee) I have depicted myself in the form of two small black and white heads,” he said. “The two heads sit looking inwards at each other as I continue to explore ideas of self-portraiture in my work.”

The prize is Mosman Art Gallery’s flagship annual exhibition – works are on display free at the Gallery – Saturday 25 July to Sunday 30 August 2015.

Visitors to the Mosman Art Prize can vote in the Viewers’ Choice Award with the winning artist awarded $1000.